Page 38 of The Grump's Assistant

When I told Vincent about my idea to start up a business, I was worried at first he’d think it was a silly idea. He already makes more than enough money for our family to live quite comfortably, even with all the charitable donations and cancer research he funds.

Of course, I had nothing to be anxious about. My husband was overjoyed for this new chapter in my life and career. The very next day, he called his contractor to start renovations on our kitchen. We added an industrial convection oven with two separate compartments so I can bake multiple things at different temperatures, as well as new counters, a large kitchen island, and a set of gorgeous copper kitchenware with matching utensils.

Vincent loves spoiling me and our kids, as well as my mother. A few years into my mother’s remission, he floated the idea of starting a foundation for lymphoma research, with my mother being the face and CEO of the foundation. She cried, making Vincent apologize profusely. He’s still not used to “happy tears,” but we convinced him it was a good thing. She’s been thriving in her career for about eight years now and couldn’t be happier.

“There you are,” my husband says from behind me. He wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me gently against his chest. I lean back, melting into him. Vincent kisses my temple and the side of my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. I can’t help it. I’m always going to be a needy, wanton mess when his hands are on me. He chuckles softly into the shell of my ear so only Ican hear. “Me too, angel,” he murmurs. “Tonight,” he promises. I nod my head and relax even more.

“Daddy! Look at my rose!” Kaitlyn exclaims. She’s bouncing up and down on the stepping stool she’s standing on. “See the swirl and crisp edges? Just like Mom taught me.”

“That’s amazing, sweetheart,” he replies, resting a hand on her shoulder. Kaitlyn leans into him, letting her father give her a side hug. “You’ll be starting your own bakery soon.”

Our daughter’s brown eyes shine with a look of awe and excitement. “Yes! Can I have my own oven so I don’t have to share with Mom?”

Vincent and I laugh at Kaitlyn’s request.

“If she gets an oven, I get one, too!” Diego pouts.

“How about we get you your own frosting station where you can mix huge bowls of all kinds of frosting?” Vincent offers.

Diego gasps, his eyes wide as he thinks of all the frosting he’s going to eat. None of it will make it to the cookies.

“You’re incorrigible,” I tell my husband, though I’m not really upset.

“When it comes to spoiling my family? Absolutely.” He kisses my cheek and I can feel his lips pull up into a smile against my skin. “But that will have to wait for now. We’ll revisit the kitchen expansion in a few years.”

“Years?!” both kids say at the same time.

“That’s basically forever,” Diego grumbles.

“It’ll go by faster than you might think,” I tell him. “Why don’t you two get cleaned up while I box up this order. Then we’ll get started on dinner.”

Our kids perk up at this idea. They love being in the kitchen as much as I do, and while their presence often means meals take more time to prepare, I’m always happy to spend more time with my sweet girl and sassy son.

Kaitlyn and Diego run off to the bathroom to wash their hands, leaving Vincent and me alone in the kitchen. He wastes no time spinning me around and taking my lips in a devastating kiss. His hands crawl up my back, one tangling in my hair and angling me so he can have more, taste more, and fuse our souls together.

“Wow, what was that for?” I ask breathlessly once we break apart.

“You’re just so damn beautiful and sexy and I can’t help myself,” he murmurs before nipping at my bottom lip and diving in for another kiss.

I surrender to his touch, letting him draw me impossibly closer, pressing my curves against the hard slats of his muscles. His tongue explores my mouth, lapping against my tongue while he swallows down my soft whimpers. Even after twelve years of marriage, this man can get me worked up in a matter of minutes.

We finally come up for air, both of us panting and slightly flushed.

“Love everything about you,” Vincent whispers.

I snuggle into his chest, tucking my head under his chin. I love how perfectly we fit together. Vincent wraps his arms around me and rocks me back and forth, humming contentedly to himself. I know he’s thinking the same thing.

I had no idea how completely and thoroughly my life would change when I answered Vincent’s call all those years ago. I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s hard to believe I have everything I’ve ever wanted, but I know my husband will continue to surprise me with more than I could ever imagine. I can’t wait to see what the next ten years have in store for our precious family.

The End

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